That's right. I ran a marathon. Two actually -- Seattle 1999 and Portland 2000. I guess that means my long distance running career spans two decades. I love long distance running and have been doing it more or less for 15 years, alternating with other athletic diversions (basketball, racquetball, swimming, aerobics, weightlifting). Getting out on the open road for 5+ miles really helps to clear the mind. I use the time on the road to prepare classes in my head and go over research projects. Sometimes I just dream that I'm finishing the Boston Marathon (an eventual goal). I'm not very good at running, but I keep up with it.
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Here is a picture of me just after finishing the Portland Marathon in under 4 hours (3 hours, 57 minutes, 31 seconds to be precise). It rained the first hour of the race, but I kept a very good pace throughout (averaging about 9 minute miles). I did develop a severe blister at mile 22 that noticeably slowed my pace. All told, I loved this race as literally thousands of people lined the streets to cheer you on the last half mile. It felt like the Olympics. The folks in Portland really know how to throw a running party! The people who lined most of the 26.2 miles were really supportive. And my wife and son were there to greet me at the finish line. That was a great thrill. I hope that my son and I run a marathon together someday. |
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I would have competed in the Portland 2001 marathon, but I was sidelined with several injuries that resulted from overtraining in the spring. Currently I am sidelined with plantar fascia, which makes it difficult to run and sometimes even walk. I am focusing on exercise routines that don't emphasize pavement pounding and slowly recovering. There will be another marathon in my future. (Update: After electo-shock therapy, the pain in my feet has improved, though I still am having difficulty running distances.)
Beyond distance running, I also enjoy basketball (I suck), racquetball (I really suck), swimming (I sink) and weightlifting (I'm not too bad here).
